Monday, January 2, 2012

Things to Look Forward to in 2012

As the New Year kicks into first gear and 2011 is in the rear view, its exciting to think about the "beery" things to come in 2012. Here are four things to look forward to in the regional beer scene this year:

1. Spacebar in Falls Church

The owners of Galaxy Hut, in Arlington, plan to open a second location in Falls Church across the street from Mad Fox Brewing by the end of January 2012.

Straight from their Facebook page:

"Spacebar will have 24 rotating "craft" beers on tap, about the same amount of bottled beer, and a few wine options. We do not have plans to serve hard liquor.

The food menu will focus on the grilled cheese sandwich, endless varieties of which will be created behind the bar on a five-foot flat top grill. There will also be galaxy hut staples like tots and veggie chili dogs."

2. 3 Stars Brewing Company in DC opens their own brewery

As reported by the Washington City Paper:

"D.C.-based 3 Stars Brewing Company has been cranking out all sorts of suds this year, including a rye-based pale ale called B.W. Rye and a light, spicy farmhouse ale dubbed Syndicate Saison. None of these libations, however, were actually brewed in the District. The local company has been collaborating with breweries in Baltimore, Delaware and other places while its own 15,000-square-foot facility is under construction in D.C.'s Takoma neighborhood."

3. Hellbender Brewing Company

A new brewery planning to open in mid-2012 will focus largely on supply DC bars with kegs. Their flagship beers will include a Kolsch, a red ale, and an IPA.

4. West Coast Expansion East

Both Sierra Nevada and New Belgium Brewing are looking to expand on the east coast by building a brewery here. There has been much speculation about the location of these new brewing facilities, but most of it has centered around the Virginia/North Carolina areas. I respect everything that SN brews and I look forward to enjoying it that much fresher.

How about you? Please feel free to comment on new breweries, bars, brews, etc. you look forward to this year.